Archbishop hands over Oceania role before heading to Vatican

By CathNews New Zealand

May 15th, 2026

Archbishop Anthony Randazzo (Diocese of Broken Bay)

Australian Archbishop Anthony Randazzo has officially relinquished his position as president of the Federation of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Oceania following his appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts.

In a letter on May 8, Archbishop Randazzo officially notified the bishops of Oceania he would be relinquishing the position, with Archbishop Ryan Jimenez of Agana, Guam, currently vice-president, set to become president in his place.

“In accordance with the FCBCO statutes, the vice-president will now assume the office of president for the remainder of my term, concluding at the 2028 FCBCO Plenary,” Archbishop Randazzo said in his letter.

“Following my recent appointment to the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, I have found it necessary to relinquish a number of the responsibilities and offices that I have until now held. Among these is the office of president of the FCBCO.”

Archbishop Randazzo was elected president of the FCBCO in February 2023. He has been a strong advocate for the people of Oceania.

In 2024, he created the Migrant and Refugee Oceania Network to serve as a unifying voice and offer practical and pastoral support to the people of Oceania who found themselves displaced or migrating.

He also advocated for more collaboration between government, regional organisations and civil society to protect the homelands and livelihoods of people in Oceania.

Archbishop Randazzo thanked his brother bishops for their encouragement, support and fraternity throughout his time as president and assured them of his continued prayers.

FULL STORY

Archbishop Anthony Randazzo steps down as FCBCO president (Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay)